Brian Lieb isn't your typical European car driver. In fact, nothing surrounding this Bimmer owner is "typical." Take for instance Brian's career choice. Believe this, he gets paid to punish tires. Brian's actual job title is "Real Time Racing Driving Instructor for Bridgestone/Firestone." Confusing? Yes, but what other job can you think of that allows for driving sideways at speeds in excess of 100mph? Not many, that's for sure.
The '98 BMW M3 Sedan you see here is Brian's baby. And although it may look conservative-trust me it's not.
Brian started the buildup several years back after purchasing the M3 new. Suspension modifications came first. High-performance components up front consist of ProParts custom-valved Koni coilovers featuring H&R springs. Adding to the already adjustable suspension setup are T.C. Kline Racing camber plates. The front suspension also received carbon-fiber, offset A-arm bearings from RTRS.com. T.C. Kline Racing was again called upon for the rear of Brian's Bimmer. Track proven parts dropped in the back include T.C. Kline Racing mono-ball rear trailing arm bearings and matching mono-ball lower control arms. Wrapping up the turn-fast suspension package is Racing Dynamics antisway bars, UUC Motorwerks front strut tower brace, and a BMW Motorsport X-brace. Last to be installed were 18x8.5-inch BBS RK lightweight alloy wheels surrounded by Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position tires measuring 235/40-18 at each corner. Believe me when I say that this BMW handles like a dream.
While the suspension was torn apart, Brian opted for a brake upgrade. Installed up front is a Porsche 993 Twin Turbo setup featuring Diversified Cryogenics treated rotors, T.C. Kline Racing braided stainless steel brake lines, and Hawk Performance HPS brake pads. Needless to say, this BMW also stops on a dime.
Still working beneath the car, Brian decided his M3 deserved the six-speed manual transmission found in his car's Euro-spec counterpart. Along with the close ratio gearbox, came the opportunity to install a T.C. Kline Racing lightweight flywheel. Next, the six-speed was treated to a short shift kit and transmission enforcers from UUC Motorwerks. Toss in a 3.46 ring and pinion with a 40-percent locked differential, and a custom lightened driveshaft, and this Bimmer was ready to roll. Let me tell you, improved acceleration is not a concern is this car.
Underhood enhancements came next. For added throttle response from the already potent 3.2L powerplant, Brian opted for installation of famed BMW performance tuning products from Jim "The Shark" Conforti. Included in the go-fast components are a Conforti cold air intake and remapped ECU. RC Engineering was also called upon for balanced and blueprinted fuel injectors. For exhaust needs, Stromung stainless steel products were used together with Euro-spec BMW M3 exhaust manifolds. Next, the stock power-robbing clutch fan assembly was replaced with a 318ti fan and thermostat. The last things left on the engine compartment modification list were the appointment of a MKAutosport.com carbon-fiber valve cover and UUC Motorwerks oil filter lid and cap. Yes, Brian's Bimmer has got horsepower.
Exterior upgrades quickly followed as the third stage of construction progressed. Coming from BMW with a "M3" badge, Lieb opted for a true German approach to styling by installing subtle aero enhancements from AC Schnitzer in the form of a carbon-fiber lip spoiler, and a touch of BMW International in the form of door moldings. Also added to the exterior are Euro-spec lighting and Hella headlights. Yeah, it looks good.
Next to last on the construction list was the interior. Keeping with the European flavor of the German tuned exterior, Brian installed BMW Individual carbon-fiber doorsills and glove box trim. Final performance touches include a Momo Runner steering wheel and hub adapter, a UUC Motorwerks clutch stop, a BMW Euro-spec fire extinguisher, and a six-speed lighted shift knob. Simple? Yes. Gaudy? No.